Abstract:

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a double-stranded DNA virus, whose envelope glycoproteins and matrix proteins may induce immune responses in humans. HCMV caused multiple organs damage through direct injury and pathological damage. Latency and reactivation are defining characteristics of HCMV. Clinical symptoms of HCMV infection are related to immune status of the host. This review summarized the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, characteristics of vertical transmission, laboratory test and evaluation, anti-HCMV treatment and mother-to-child blocking methods of HCMV infection. The positive rate with serology in women of childbearing age was over 95%. The rates of primary HCMV infection during pregnancy was 1% to 4%, and 24% to 75% of them could cause intrauterine fetal infection through vertical transmission, resulting in malformations, miscarriages, stillbirths, birth defects or even death. Therefore, it is suggested that standard control measures should be taken to prevent CMV infection during pregnancy. Congenital CMV infection involves multiple organs, most common in nervous system or reticuloendothelial system. HCMV detection included both molecular and non-molecular techniques. The determination of avidity of HCMV antibodies is helpful in the diagnosis of primary infection. Antiviral therapy and immunoglobulin may not be routinely used to prevent congenital CMV infection during pregnancy at this stage. Although there was no teratogenic effect of the following antiviral drugs, acyclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir, it was still needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of them used in pregnancy. Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin is an effective preparation for the prevention and treatment of HCMV infection. The development of monoclonal antibody to HCMV is one of research hotspots in prevention and treatment filed.

Key words: Human cytomegalovirus, Maternal-infant interruption, Newborn, Pregnant women